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Richmond County teacher arrested in Athens

A Richmond County teacher was arrested Friday during a school field trip in Athens.

Vernell Morgan, who teaches at Glenn Hills High School, was charged with shoplifting and reckless conduct to a minor, Rich­mond County director of school safety Alfonzo Williams said Saturday night.

Morgan drove to Athens separately from students and teachers, while bringing a 3-year-old child. After she was arrested, Clarke County authorities learned the child had been left alone in Morgan’s hotel room, Williams confirmed.

“That’s why she was charged with reckless conduct to a minor,” he said. “The child was unharmed and turned over to family members.”

Morgan was released on $2,500 bond, according to Clarke County’s Web site.

“We’re still waiting to get additional information from the Clarke County police department,” Williams said. “We still haven’t gotten the police reports, so no decision has been made (about Morgan).”